Auburn celebrates Diwali

Published: October 28, 2021

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On Nov. 4, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists celebrate Diwali, one of the most observed events worldwide. Also known as the festival of lights, the five-day festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.

Diwali is most widely celebrated in South Asia, with more than 1 billion people worldwide taking part. This includes roughly 3 million people who celebrate every year in the U.S.

Despite being so widely celebrated, Diwali has a unique religious significance to all the groups that celebrate it. This year, Auburn and the Office of Inclusion and Diversity, or OID, encourages students to take the time to learn more about the holiday, as well as consider taking classes in Auburn’s religious studies department, including classes on Hinduism and other Eastern religions.

The Auburn Family is invited to learn more by getting involved with the Cross Cultural Center for Excellence, as well as the Indian Student Organization. The Indian Student Organization will present Diwali: The Festival of Lights celebration on Sunday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. in the Harold D. Melton Student Center Ballroom.

For more information on Auburn's commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive campus community, please visit OID through its website, on Instagram, new DEI landing page or by signing up for the OID newsletter